Desert FM 95.3

Goldstone Software Engineering Institute has opened registration for its certificate and diploma programmes in software engineering, IT, human resource management and business administration.

Marketing officer Anaria Mufalali says the courses are subsidised under the free education initiative, with registration closing on 30 November.

Desert FM spoke to sports analyst Marco Ndlovu about the Brave Warriors' 34-man provisional squad and preparations for the 2027 Afcon qualifiers against Cameroon. Ndlovu says Namibia must be wary of Cameroon's physicality and experience, and exploit opportunities through counter-attacks.

Asoli Progressive Party leader Joseph Kauandenge is calling for stronger intervention by traditional authorities to prevent communal land disputes from escalating into violence. He says traditional leaders need proper training, while land boards must be empowered to resolve disputes more effectively.

WWF Namibia, Namibia Breweries Limited and Global Water Challenge have launched a five-year N$13 million project to improve water security in the Swakop River Basin. The initiative aims to make 386 million litres of water available annually by 2030 through invasive plant removal, groundwater replenishment and improved water management.

Lawyer Bianca Boois says the High Court's decision to impose periodic imprisonment for repeat drunk driving sends a strong warning to motorists. She says Namibians must change their attitudes towards drinking and driving as courts move towards tougher consequences for offenders.

Desert FM’s Jane Kandetu spoke to Ben Kandanga from the Okakarara Magistrate’s Court, where five suspects are expected to appear in connection with the alleged killing of two men at Otjaze village. He says the incident has renewed concerns over communal grazing land disputes and argues that stricter measures by the traditional authority could help prevent such conflicts from turning fatal.

Nrupresh Soni of the Namibia Travel and Tourism Forum is urging tourists to verify tour operators before making payments amid growing concerns over booking scams in Namibia. He says outdated tourism records and the impersonation of legitimate businesses make it difficult for travellers to confirm who they are dealing with.

Freddie Koujou, a traditional councillor in the Aminuis constituency, is calling for better education on communal land rights and stronger dispute resolution following the alleged killing of two men at Otjaze village. He says communities must share communal grazing land fairly and resolve disputes through legal channels rather than taking the law into their own hands.

Chinese Ambassador to Namibia Zhao Weiping says China’s zero-tariff initiative for 53 African countries could create opportunities for Namibian exporters and attract investment in local processing and manufacturing. He urges Namibian businesses to strengthen links with Chinese importers to expand exports and benefit from improved access to the Chinese market.

Actor Othello Joseph says Conversations with Michael aims to promote empathy and understanding towards autistic people and those who communicate differently. The original Namibian production premieres at the National Theatre of Namibia on 29 and 30 October, with tickets costing N$150.